Access assembly to adjacent product storage tanks on a planting implement

ABSTRACT

An access assembly to approach a first storage tank and an adjacent second storage tank of a planting implement is provided. The first and second storage tanks are mounted on a wheeled frame assembly for movement in a direction of travel. The access assembly includes a ramp having a first end opposite a second end aligned in a fore-and-aft direction relative to the direction of travel of the implement. The first end of the ramp is pivotally attached about a first horizontal axis relative to the wheeled frame assembly. The access assembly further includes a ladder pivotally coupled about a second horizontal axis at the second end of the ramp. The ladder and the ramp pivot together about the first horizontal axis at the first end of the ramp between a raised and a lowered position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/381,463 entitled “Access Assembly Between Adjacent Product StorageTanks on a Planting Implement” filed on the same date as thisapplication and in the name of the same inventors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an agricultural planting implement, and morespecifically, relates to an access assembly adjustable in a verticaldirection to facilitate access to storage tanks mounted on the implementwithout hindering operation in the field.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Various agricultural implements have been employed to deliver product(e.g., seed, fertilizer, herbicides, etc.) to agricultural fields. Asthe size of agricultural implements continues to grow, the versatilityof such implements becomes more significant.

Planting implements are of various designs to dispense seeds,fertilizer, and herbicides at a controlled rate to an agriculturalfield. In a conventional arrangement, a tractor is coupled to tow theplanting implement across the agricultural field. The planting implementgenerally includes a tool bar to which are attached a plurality ofplanting units in a generally parallel, spaced relation apart. Eachplanting unit typically includes a product hopper or bulk storage tankconfigured for containing and carrying a large quantity of product to beplanted or a smaller container fed from a centralized or large hopper, adevice for opening a furrow in the ground as the tractor drawn tool baris advanced across the field over the ground, a metering mechanismcoupled to the product hopper for dispensing individual granuals orproduct into the furrow at a controlled rate, and a further device formoving soil at the sides of the furrow to close the furrow over theproduct. The many different types of seeds to be planted using aplanting unit can include e.g., corn, cotton, sorghum, sugar beets,soybeans and sunflowers that may vary considerably in size, weight andshape.

A wide variety of agricultural planting implements are generallyavailable, depending on the type and the form of the product beingmetered and on the desired accuracy and consistency of metering. Ingeneral, conventional planting implements can be of the mechanical-typeor of the air pressure differential-type.

The mechanical type of planting unit generally includes a vertical orhorizontal seed plate or disc with mechanically actuated fingers ofsimilarly operated mechanical devices for separating individual seedsfrom the seed disc and then dispensing them into the furrow. The airpressure differential type planting unit, which is also commonly knownas an air seeder, is of generally of two types: a negative pressure typeand a positive-pressure type.

The vacuum-type air seeder generally includes a pressure source coupledto a chamber opposite a seed mass or supply, with a metering mechanismtherebetween. The pressure source communicates a vacuum through openingsin the metering mechanism to the seed mass. The vacuum is of sufficientmagnitude such that it tends to draw seeds into the openings defined bythe metering mechanism and hold the seeds thereto as the seeds are movedthrough the chamber under the influence of the moving metering mechanismtoward a seed discharge area for application in an agricultural field.The positive-pressured type planting implement generally includes apressure source that creates a forced air stream configured to conveyseed for distribution in the field.

A certain known positive-pressure type of planting implement includes aproduct metering compartment that is fed product by gravity from a bulkstorage tank or hopper. The product is metered by a meter rollerassembly of flutes into a pneumatic distribution system. A pressuresource (e.g., blower) is configured to create a forced air stream thatentrains the product for conveyance through distribution lines to aseries of secondary distribution manifolds (“headers”). The manifoldsinclude conveyance lines configured to distribute the forced air streamentrained product to a group of ground openers for placement of theproduct in the ground.

Another example of a positive-pressure type of planting implementcreates a forced air stream that entrains seed or other productdelivered from bulk storage tanks for conveyance to relatively smallerseed bins, mini-hoppers, or reservoirs located at receivers remotelylocated from the bulk storage tanks. The bulk storage tanks allow afarmer to plant more acreage before having to stop to fill the bulkstorage tanks again, resulting in quicker planting and less labor whilemaintaining the precision spacing available by on-row singulation. Ablower typically provides the stream of forced air along a path toagitate and entrain the product from the bulk fill tanks. A distributionsystem generally includes one or more distribution lines operable toroute or direct the combined stream of forced air and entrained producttoward one or more receivers. Each receiver generally includes one ormore product bins or mini-hoppers located on top of a respectivemetering unit and an injector configured to uniformly apply the productinto a furrow in the ground.

These certain known planting implements as described above havedrawbacks. Farmers typically must access the bulk storage tanks orhoppers to monitor product levels, to clean the tanks after planting orwhen switching between different products, or to add one or more bags ofproduct carried from a raised bed of a truck. Also, operators typicallyfind it cumbersome or are unable to fill the bulk tanks with productusing an auger from an elevated truck bed.

Therefore, there is a need or desire for an access assembly for aplanting implement that provides ready entry to the hatch cover of eachof the bulk storage tanks. The access assembly should also be simple andreliable to operate and economical to manufacture. In addition, theaccess assembly should be configured to be utilized with a wide varietyof agricultural implements in addition to those related to planting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an access assembly for entry to hatchcovers of a pair of bulk storage tanks. The access assembly of theinvention is adjustable so as to provide a ready approach to the storagetanks from the ground, as well as from a raised bed of a truck pulledalongside the implement. When ready for operation, the access assemblyof the invention is configured to be slid and pivoted to a raisedposition that does not interfere with operation of the plantingimplement in the field.

In a first embodiment of the present invention, an access assembly for aagricultural planting implement having a wheel frame assembly in supportof a first storage tank and a second storage tank is provided. Theaccess assembly includes a ramp having a first end opposite a second endaligned in a fore-and-aft direction relative to the direction of travelof the implement. The first end of the ramp is pivotally attached abouta first horizontal axis relative to the wheeled frame assembly. Theaccess assembly further includes a ladder pivotally coupled about asecond horizontal axis at the second end of the ramp. The ladder and theramp pivot together about the first horizontal axis at the first end ofthe ramp between a raised and a lowered position.

The ramp and ladder in the raised position prevents access via the rampto the first and second storage tanks. The preferred ladder isconfigured to slide in a linear direction in parallel relation to theramp. With such a configuration, the ladder slides between an extendedposition and a stowed position. The ladder in the extended position ispivotal about the second end of the ramp, while the ladder in the stowedposition is aligned underneath the ramp and restrained from pivotingindependent of the ramp. The preferred ramp includes a continuous treadsurface, and the ladder is guided along a linear direction by a sleevelocated underneath the tread surface.

The preferred access assembly further includes a generallyhorizontal-aligned platform located between the first end of the rampand the first and second storage tanks. The platform generally providesa fixed walkway for access to both the first and second tanks. The firstend of the ramp is pivotally coupled at the platform. The preferredaccess assembly further includes an intermediate leg member located atthe second end of the ramp. The intermediate leg member is aligned tosupport the second end of the ramp in a vertical direction from thewheeled frame assembly. The preferred intermediate leg member includes a

In another embodiment, the present invention provides an agriculturalplanting implement that includes an access assembly to approach a firststorage tank and a second storage tank supported on a wheeled frameassembly. The access assembly includes a ramp having a first endpivotally coupled relative to the wheeled frame assembly, and a laddercoupled at a second end of the ramp opposite the first end. The ladderand the ramp pivot together about a horizontal axis at the first end ofthe ramp between a raised and a lowered position

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a method ofaccessing first and second storage tanks mounted on a wheeled frameassembly of an agricultural planting implement is provided,substantially in accordance with the foregoing summary.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however,that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicatingpreferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way ofillustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications maybe made within the scope of the present invention without departing fromthe spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent likeparts throughout.

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an access assembly of thepresent invention mounted to provide entry to each of a pair of bulkstorage tanks of a planting implement.

FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed isometric view of the access assemblyshown in FIG. 1, the access assembly including a pivotal ladder assemblyin a lowered, extended position.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top plan schematic view of the access assemblymounted on the planting implement, the pivotal ladder assemblypositioned in the lowered, extended position.

FIG. 4 illustrates a section view along line 4-4 in FIG. 3, illustratinga slide mechanism in support of the ladder assembly from an extendedramp of the access assembly.

FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed section view of the access assembly, thepivotal ladder assembly shown between a lowered, extended position and araised, extended position.

FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed section view of the access assembly, thepivotal ladder assembly shown between the raised, extended position anda raised, stowed position underneath the extended ramp.

FIG. 7 illustrates a detailed isometric view of a slide mechanism of theaccess assembly shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 illustrates a detailed side elevation view of another embodimentof an access assembly of the invention, including an extended rampassembly pivotal between a lowered position and a raised, stowedposition relative to a fixed access platform.

FIG. 9 illustrates a detailed rear elevation view of the pivotalextended ramp assembly of the access assembly shown in FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates an access assembly 20 in accordance with the presentinvention mounted on a planting implement 25. The exemplary plantingimplement 25 is a positive pressure-type planting implement thatincludes a wheeled frame assembly 30 in support of first and second bulkstorage tanks or hoppers 35 and 40, respectively, and pneumatic lines(not shown) configured to convey air entrained product in a conventionalmanner from the bulk storage tanks 35 and 40 to a series of remotereceivers 50 for distribution of the product in the agricultural field.

The exemplary wheeled frame assembly 30 includes a forward hitch 52opposite a rearward hitch, both generally aligned along a centrallongitudinal axis 55 of the planting implement 25. The first bulkstorage tank 35 is located on one side of the central longitudinal axis55, and the second bulk storage tank 40 is located on another of thecentral longitudinal axis 55 opposite the first bulk storage tank 35.Each first and second bulk storage tank 35 and 40 includes a hatch cover60 and 62, respectively. The hatch covers 60 and 62 are generallyconfigured to allow an operator to access the interior of the first andsecond bulk tanks 35 and 40, respectively.

The receivers 50 are generally configured to perform on-row planting ofthe product to the agricultural field. Each receiver 50 generallyincludes one or more bins or mini hoppers configured to receive productfrom the bulk storage tanks 35 and 40 via the pneumatic lines (notshown) in a conventional manner. Each receiver 50 further includes arespective product metering unit and injector generally configured touniformly apply the product from the mini hoppers to a furrow in theground in a conventional manner.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the access assembly 20 is configured toprovide access to the hatch covers 60 and 62 of the bulk storage tanks35 and 40, respectively. The exemplary access assembly 20 generallyincludes an access platform 80, an extended ramp 85 located rearwardfrom the access platform 80, and a ladder assembly 90. The accessplatform 80 is located rearward of and extends laterally between thehatch covers 60 and 62 of the first and second storage tanks 35 and 40,respectively, generally perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis55 of the planting implement 25. Thereby, an operator standing on theaccess platform 80 can access either of the hatch covers 60 and 62 ofboth the first or second bulk storage tanks 35 and 40, respectively.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, the access platform 80 is fixedly mounted tothe wheeled frame assembly 30 so as to move with the bulk storage tanks35 and 40. As shown in FIG. 3, the exemplary access platform 80 includesa forward end 95 adjacent at a rearwardmost end of the first and secondbulk storage tanks 35 and 40, and a rearward end 100 located rearwardopposite the forward end 95 relative to a forward direction of travel101 of the implement 25. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the exemplary accessplatform 80 includes a central tread surface 102 generally alignedhorizontal. Yet, the angular alignment of the access platform 80 canvary.

Still referring to FIGS. 2-4, the exemplary extended ramp 85 includes aforward end 105 that is fixedly attached by a fixed mounting bracket 108at the rearward end 100 of the access platform 80. As illustrated inFIG. 4, an opposite rearward end 110 is located below the forward end105 of the extended ramp 85 such that a length between the forward andrearward ends 105 and 110 of the extended ramp 85 is generally alignedat an angle (α) downward from horizontal in the vertical direction. Theextended ramp 85 comprises a tread surface 115 supported along itslength by a pair of structural supports 120 and 125. The exemplarystructural supports 120 and 125 are each generally L-shaped with a lowerleg 135 spaced apart from the tread surface 115 by an intermediatevertical portion 140 along its length.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, a slide mechanism 145 slidably andpivotally couples the ladder assembly 90 at the extended ramp 85.Referring specifically now to FIG. 7, the exemplary slide mechanism 145includes a first guide bar 150 laterally spaced from and alignedgenerally parallel to a second guide bar 152, and a slide bar 155extending transverse therebetween. The first guide bar 150 includes afirst elongated opening 160, and the second guide bar 152 includes asecond elongated opening 162 generally aligned with the elongatedopening 160 with the first guide bar 150. Each elongated opening 160 and162 has an extended length aligned in parallel with a length of theguide bars 150 and 152, respectively.

A slide mounting bracket 165 interconnects the slide bar 155 to thefirst and second guide bars 150 and 152. The slide mounting bracket 165includes a generally horizontally aligned mounting plate 170 thatextends between and is attached at an uppermost edge of both the firstand second guide bars 150 and 152. A pair of spaced apart, verticalsupport struts 175 and 177 extend upwardly and in general perpendicularalignment from an upper planar surface of the mounting plate 170. Theslide bar 155 is generally U-shaped and includes a first leg 180 spacedapart from a second leg 182 by a intermediate portion 184 extending ingeneral perpendicular alignment therebetween. The uppermost edges of thevertical support struts 175 and 177 are received between the first andsecond legs 180 and 182 and engage against the intermediate portion 184of the slide bar 155. The lowermost edges of each vertical leg 180 and182 of the U-shaped slide bar 155 are spaced a gap distance 186 apartfrom the upper surface of the mounting plate 170 in the verticaldirection. The first and second vertical support struts 175 and 177 arelocated at a laterally inward distance 187 from the laterallyoutwardmost edges of the slide bar 155 in the horizontal direction.Referring back to FIGS. 4-6, this above-described configuration of thelowermost edges of the first and second legs 180 and 182 of the U-shapedslide bar 155, the vertical support struts 175 and 177, and the uppersurface of the mounting plate 170 define a slot 188 configured toreceive at least a portion of the lower leg 135 of the structuralsupports 120 and 125 of the extended ramp 85 therein. Thereby, the slidemechanism 145 moves in sliding relation in the linear direction alongthe lower leg 135 of the structural supports 120 and 125 of the extendedramp 85.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 4-6, the ladder assembly 90 generallyincludes a series of conventional steps 190 extending between a pair ofupwardly extendly side supports 195 and 200 in the vertical direction.An upper end of each side support 195 and 200 includes an elongatedopening 205 extending in length generally parallel to a length of theside supports 195 and 200. As shown in FIGS. 4-6, pivot 210 extendsthrough the elongated openings 205 of the side supports 195 and 200 ofthe ladder assembly 90, and the elongated openings 160 and 162 of thefirst and second guide bars 150 and 152, respectively, pivotallyconnecting the ladder assembly 90 about a horizontal axis, defined bythe pivot 210, with respect to the slide mechanism 145.

Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 4-6, the access assembly 20 furtherincludes a ramp support footing assembly 220 configured to support therearward end 110 of the extended ramp 85 from the wheeled frame assembly30 of the implement 25 (See FIG. 1). The exemplary ramp footing assembly220 is fixed in relation to the extended ramp 85 and includes a mountbracket 225 having spaced apart vertical legs 230 and 232, a lateralportion 240 (See FIGS. 4-6) extending therebetween. The free ends of thelegs 230 and 232 are fixedly attached at the L-shaped structuralsupports 120 and 125 of the extended ramp 85. A rearward edge 245 of thelateral portion 240 is angled downward in the vertical direction inrelation to a remaining portion of the lateral portion 240, in generalalignment to receive the steps 190 or side supports 195 and 200 of theladder assembly 90 in the lowered, extended position.

A support strut 250 extends generally downward in the vertical directionfrom attachment at the lateral portion 240. A lower end of the supportstrut 250 is attached at a generally horizontal aligned footplate 255located to engage the wheeled frame assembly 30. Referring specificallyto FIG. 4, each vertical leg 230 and 232 of the U-shaped mountingbracket 225 includes an opening 260 configured to receive a lock pin 265extending through an aligned opening 270 at the lower end of each of theside supports 195 and 200 of the ladder assembly 90. The lock pin 265generally restrains the ladder assembly 90 in the raised, stowedposition aligned vertically underneath the tread surface 115 of theextended ramp 85 (See FIG. 6). Referring specifically to FIGS. 5-6,coupling pins 275 are attached at the ends of the lock pin 265 to securethe lock pin 265 in-place. As shown in FIG. 5, the lock pin 265 isalternately stored at a second lower position, relative to opening 260(See FIG. 4).

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the access assembly 20 further includesa handrail assembly 278 and a kickplate 280 generally extending alongall peripheral sides of the access assembly 20, except across the ladderassembly 90 for apparent reasons. The type and location of the handrailassembly 278 and the kickplate 280 can vary and is not limiting on theinvention.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate another embodiment of an access assembly 300 inaccordance with the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the accessassembly 300 includes an access platform 305, an extended ramp 310, aslide mechanism 315 in pivotal and sliding support of a ladder assembly320 relative to the extended ramp 310, and a ramp support footingassembly 322, that is similar in construction to the access platform 80,extended ramp 85, slide mechanism 145, ladder assembly 90, and rampsupport footing assembly 220 of the access assembly 20 described above.The access assembly 300 further includes a pivot 325 that defines ahorizontal axis 326 (See FIG. 9) about which both the extended ramp 310and the ladder assembly 320 are pivotally supported at the rearward end110 of the access platform 305. The pivot 325 allows the extended ramp310 and the ladder assembly 320 to be folded upward (illustrated byarrow and reference 328) in the vertical direction to a raised position(shown in phantom line) such that the extended ramp 310 and the ladderassembly 320 are located above the access platform 305 in the verticaldirection. A first handrail 330 is mounted on the access platform 305,apart from a second handrail 335 mounted at the extended ramp 310. Inrelation to a central longitudinal axis 395 of the ladder assembly 320and implement 25, the first handrail 330 is located laterally outwardfrom the second handrail 335 of the extended ramp 310 so as to receiveand accommodate the second handrail 335, the extended ramp 310, and theladder assembly 320 therebetween in movement between the loweredposition (See FIG. 8) and the raised, stowed position (shown in phantomline in FIG. 8).

The access assembly 300 may further include miscellaneous lift assistmechanisms (not shown), e.g., springs, fluid actuated cylinders, etc.,configured to aid movement of the extended ramp 310 and/or the ladderassembly 320 between the lowered position and the raised, stowedposition. Also, the access assembly 300 may further include an actuatorhandle (e.g., a rope or elongated rod, etc.) that allows an operator atthe ground to readily pivot the extended ramp 310 and the ladderassembly 320 downward in the vertical direction relative to the accessplatform 305 from the raised position. This embodiment of the accessassembly 300 allows an operator located on a raised bed of a truckvehicle located at the rearward end of the access platform 305, or anoperator standing on the ground, to readily access the first and secondstorage tanks 35 and 40.

Having described the general construction by the access assemblies 20and 300, the following is a general description of the operation of theaccess assembly 300 of the planting implement 25. Assume for examplethat the access assembly 300 is in the raised, stowed position (shown inphantom line in FIG. 8) such that the extended ramp 310 and ladderassembly 320 are pivoted upward in the vertical direction about thehorizontal axis 326 (FIG. 9) defined by the pivot 325 relative to theaccess platform 305. An operator located on a raised bed of a truckpulled alongside the rearward end 110 of the access platform 305 of theimplement 25 can pivot the extended ramp 310 and the ladder assembly 320downward in the vertical direction relative to the access platform 305about the horizontal axis 326 defined by the pivot 325. With theextended ramp 310 in the lowered position (See FIG. 8), the operator canwalk to the access platform 305 from the truckbed via the extended ramp310 so as to access the first and/or second bulk storage tanks 35 and 40(See FIG. 1).

Alternatively, an operator can use the access assemblies 20 and 300 toaccess the storage tanks 35 and 40 from the ground. The ladderassemblies 90 and 320 are similar in construction, and therefore operatein a similar manner. The following description is in reference to ladderassembly 90. However, it should be understood that ladder assembly 320of the access assembly 300 operates in a similar manner.

Removal of the coupling pin 275 and the lock pin 265 allows the operatorto independently slide the ladder assembly 320 in a generally linear andrearward direction in parallel relative to the extended ramp 85. In thefully extended position of the ladder assembly 320, the pivot pin 210engages a rearwardmost end of openings 160 of the slide mechanism 145and forward most end of the openings 205 in the side supports 195 and200 such that the ladder assembly 90 is pivotal downward in the verticaldirection toward the extended, lowered position (See FIG. 4). Theoperator can then climb the extended, lowered ladder assembly 90 andcross the extended ramp 85 and central ramp 80 to access the storagetanks 35 and 40 (See FIG. 1).

When dismounting from the planting implement 25, the operator steps fromthe access platform 80 onto the extended ramp 85 and down the ladderassembly 90 to the ground. The ladder assembly 90 can then be pivotedupward in the vertical direction about the pivot 210 until in generalparallel and linear alignment with the extended ramp 85. Once generallyaligned with the extended ramp 85, the ladder assembly 90 can be slid inthe forward, linear direction via the slide mechanism 145 to a stowedposition in general parallel alignment with, and underneath in thevertical direction relative to, the extended ramp 85. The elongatedopening 160 of the slide mechanism 145 and the elongated opening 160 ofthe ladder assembly 90 allows the ladder assembly 90 to initially slideforward independently of the slide mechanism 145. The side supports 195and 200 slide underneath the mounting bracket 165, such that themounting bracket 165 in combination with the pivot pin 210 restrainsindependent pivoting of the ladder assembly 90 in the downward directionrelative to the extended ramp 85. The lock pin 265 inserts through theopening 260 in the vertical legs 230 and 232 of the foot supportmounting bracket 225 and through the opening 270 at the lower end of theladder assembly 90, thereby securing the ladder assembly 90 relative tothe extended ramp 85. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the extended ramp 310and ladder assembly 320 both lift about pivot 325 to the raised, stowedposition (shown in phantom line) above the central ramp 305. In theraised, stowed position, the access assembly 300 reduces opportunitiesof interference with operation of the planting implement 25, especiallyover rough terrain. Neither access assembly 20 and 300 is directlyconnected at or includes the rearward hitch so as to readily allowattachment of additional implements in tow by the planting implement 25.

While the invention has been shown and described with respect toparticular embodiments, it is understood that alternatives andmodifications are possible and are contemplated as being within thescope of the present invention.

Many changes and modifications could be made to the invention withoutdeparting from the spirit thereof. The scope of these changes willbecome apparent from the appended claims.

1. An access assembly in combination with a planting implement having afirst storage tank adjacent to a second storage tank mounted on awheeled frame assembly for movement in a direction of travel, eachstorage tank including an access cover, comprising: a ramp having aforward end opposite a rearward end aligned in a fore-and-aft directionrelative to the direction of travel of the implement, the forward end ofthe ramp pivotally attached about a first horizontal axis relative tothe wheeled frame assembly; a slide mechanism having first and secondgenerally parallel guide bars and a slide bar extending between andtransverse to the guide bars, the guide bars including elongated slotstherein and the slide bar being slidably coupled to the ramp; a ladderdefined by first and second side supports including upper ends, thefirst and second side supports having elongated slots therein adjacentthe upper ends; and first and second pivots, the first pivot extendingthrough the slot in first guide bar of the slide mechanism and the slotin the first side support of the ladder and the second pivot extendingthrough the slot in the second guide bar of the slide mechanism and theslot in the second side support of the ladder so as to pivotally couplethe guide bars of the slide mechanism to the ladder about a secondhorizontal axis, wherein the ladder, the slide mechanism and the ramppivot together about the first horizontal axis at the forward end of theramp between a raised and a lowered position.
 2. The access assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the ladder is also configured to slide in a lineardirection in parallel relation to the ramp.
 3. The access assembly ofclaim 2, wherein the ladder slides between an extended position and astowed position, the ladder in the extended position pivotal about therearward end of the slide mechanism, the ladder in the stowed positionaligned in parallel and underneath the ramp and restrained from pivotingindependent of the ramp.
 4. The access assembly of claim 2, wherein theramp includes a continuous tread surface, and wherein the slidemechanism is located underneath the tread surface.
 5. The accessassembly of claim 3, further comprising a generally horizontal-alignedplatform located between the forward end of the ramp and the first andsecond storage tanks, wherein the forward end of the ramp is pivotallycoupled at the platform, and wherein the platform includes a fixed treadsurface extending in a lateral direction to the access cover of eachfirst and second storage tank.
 6. The access assembly of claim 1,wherein the ramp and ladder in the raised position prevents access viathe ramp to the first and second storage tanks.
 7. The access assemblyof claim 1, further comprising a ramp support footing assembly locatedat the rearward end of the ramp, the ramp support footing assemblyaligned to support the rearward end of the ramp in a vertical directionfrom engagement at the wheeled frame assembly.
 8. An agriculturalplanting implement, comprising: a first storage tank adjacent to asecond storage tank both mounted on a wheeled frame assembly formovement in a direction of travel; an access assembly to the first andsecond storage tanks, the access assembly including: a ramp extendingalong an axis and having a forward end pivotally coupled relative to thefirst and second storage tanks; a slide mechanism having first andsecond generally parallel guide bars including elongated slots thereinand a slide bar extending between and transverse to the guide bars, theslide bar being slidably coupled to the ramp; and a ladder defined byfirst and second side supports including upper ends, the first andsecond side supports having elongated slots therein adjacent the upperends; and first and second pivots, the first pivot extending through theslot in first guide bar of the slide mechanism and the slot in the firstside support of the ladder and the second pivot extending through theslot in the second guide bar of the slide mechanism and the slot in thesecond side support of the ladder so as to couple the guide bars of theslide mechanism to the ladder, wherein the ladder, the slide mechanismand the ramp pivot together about a horizontal axis at the forward endof the ramp between a raised and a lowered position.
 9. The agriculturalplanting implement of claim 8, wherein the ladder is also configured toslide in a linear direction in parallel relation to the ramp.
 10. Theagricultural planting implement of claim 9, wherein the ladder slidesbetween an extended position and a stowed position, the ladder in theextended position pivotal about the second end of the ramp, the ladderin the stowed position aligned underneath the ramp and restrained frompivoting independent of the ramp.
 11. The agricultural plantingimplement of claim 9, wherein the ramp includes a continuous treadsurface, and wherein the ladder is guided to slide the linear directionby a slide mechanism located underneath the tread surface.
 12. Theagricultural planting implement of claim 8, wherein the access assemblyfurther comprising a generally horizontal-aligned platform locatedbetween the forward end of the ramp and the first and second storagetanks, the forward end of the ramp pivotally coupled at the platform,and wherein the platform includes a fixed tread surface extending in alateral direction to a hatch cover of each first and second storagetank.
 13. The agricultural planting implement of claim 12, wherein theentire access assembly is located rearward of the first and secondstorage tanks relative to the direction of travel.
 14. The agriculturalplanting implement of claim 8, the access assembly further comprising aramp support footing assembly located at the second end of the ramp, theramp support footing assembly configured to support the rearward end ofthe ramp in a vertical direction from the wheeled frame assembly. 15.The agricultural planting implement of claim 14, wherein the rampsupport footing assembly includes a generally horizontal aligned portionextending between a pair of vertical leg members, wherein a free end ofeach vertical leg member is attached at the ramp.
 16. The agriculturalplanting implement of claim 8, further comprising a first handraillocated along a periphery of the ramp.
 17. A method of accessing a hatchcover located at each of a first storage tank aligned laterally adjacentto a second storage tank mounted on a wheeled frame assembly formovement in a forward direction of travel, the method comprising thesteps of: lowering an access assembly from a raised, inoperativeposition to a lowered position, the access assembly including a rampextending along an axis, a slide mechanism having first and secondgenerally parallel guide bars having elongated slots therein and a slidebar extending between and transverse to the guide bars, the slide barbeing slidably coupled to the ramp, a ladder defined by first and secondside supports including upper ends, the first and second side supportshaving elongated slots therein adjacent the upper ends, and first andsecond pivots, the first pivot extending through the slot in first guidebar of the slide mechanism and the first slot in the first side supportof the ladder and the second pivot extending through the slot in thesecond guide bar of the slide mechanism and the second slot in thesecond side support of the ladder so as to pivotably couple the ladderto the guide bars of the slide mechanism such that the guide bars, theramp, the slide mechanism, and the ladder are pivotable together about afirst horizontal axis at a forward end of the ramp; and sliding theladder in a linear direction from a stowed position aligned generally inparallel with the ramp to an extended position in a rearward directionfrom the ramp.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the ladder at theextend position is pivotal about a second horizontal axis at a rearwardend of the slide mechanism.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein theladder in the stowed position is located underneath the ramp and isrestrained from pivoting independent of the ramp.